02-02-22 Tallassee Tribune

LOCAL, PAGE A7

LOCAL, PAGE B6

SPORTS, PAGE B1

CHLOE DAVIDSON SIGNS WITH FAULKNER SOFTBALL

$1.1 million bond set for gunman in Claud standoff

Futral named principal of the year

INSIDE:

Money raised for Elmore County Food Pantry, page A7

Dedicated to the Growth and Prosperity of the Greater Tallassee area Tallassee, AL 36078

February 2, 2022

TallasseeTribune.com

$1.00 VOL. 123, NO. 5

‘Protection from abuse order upheld’ as mayor files for divorce

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Tallassee Mayor John Hammock has filed for divorce following a domestic violence strangulation charge against him in Baldwin County claiming he is a victim.

Hammock’s wife Kimberly was served divorce papers by a bailiff just before a hearing for a protection for abuse (PFA) she filed following an incident in Orange Beach that left her bruised, with a broken tooth and unconscious from an alleged “beat-

ing” by John.

Circuit Court Judge Sibley Reynolds now finds himself in the middle of allegations of months of harmful conduct between the Tallassee mayor and first lady.

“We have very significant evidence inHAMMOCK cluding videos of a destroyed house, a video of this lady putting a gun to her head and threatening to kill

herself,” John’s attorney Kendrick James told Reynolds.

James alleged Kim had chased John around their Tallassee home with knives and damaging the tires of John’s truck. James said in December John went to the Tallassee Police Department after an attack

by Kim “scratched up.”

James said John has text messages from Kim with photographs of Cliff Williams / THE HERALD parts of a gun.

Judge Sibley Reynolds speaks to Tallassee Mayor John Hammock “It says to the effect, ‘I will do it and his wife Kim and their attorneys during a hearing Monday.

Hammock faces domestic violence charges in Baldwin County See MAYOR, Page A3 and has sought a divorce.

DRESS IMPRESS

County BOE to ask for property tax increase

TO

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Show choirs perform at Capital City Classic

With anticipation of growth and to stay competitive in keeping and recruiting teachers, the Elmore County Board of Education is seeking a seven-mills more of ad valorem tax.

Elmore County superintendent Richard Dennis will make a presentation at Monday’s Elmore County Commission to lay out the school system’s plan to use the additional revenue.

“We are continuing to see enrollment increase here in Elmore County,” Dennis told the board at a special called meeting Monday.

“I think everyone who lives in Elmore County can follow the traffic and see we are continuing to

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer Show choirs from across the Southeast competed in the Capital City Classic hosted by the Tallassee High School choral programs at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre over the weekend.

Backstage was a flurry with students, teachers and parents warming up, dressing and assembling elaborate stage props to try to impress judges and the more than 1,000 gathered to see the students perform at the 14th annual event.

See more photos on Page A3

Holtville High School basketball coach arrested

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.

Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed

on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis.

“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also WILSON placed on administrative leave at that time.”

Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators

receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.

“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”

Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well.

“You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was

See TAX, Page A3

not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”

Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.

Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.

Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.

Cliff Williams / THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis speaks to members of the Elmore County Board of Education about a proposed property tax increase.

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Obituaries ANNA “FAYE” DAY Anna “Faye” Day, 83, of Tallassee, passed away January 31, 2022 to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born March 4, 1938 in Tallassee to Melvin Thompson and Adelle Woodall.

Graveside service and burial will be Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 11 am at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. John Sparks and Bro. Trey Head officiating.

Pall bearers will be Gene Carter, Randy Cole, Lee Rigsby, Ricky Ward, Randy Ward and Paul Jones.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Harold “Boots” Day; son, Joel (Wanda) Day, granddaughter, Jessica (Trey) Head; great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Drew Head; and brotherin-law, Robert Jones. She is preceded in death by her sister, Judy Jones.

She was a charter member of Westside Baptist Church and currently a mem-

Police Reports LEARN MORE AT WINNINGFORALABAMA.COM.

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT JAN. 30

• A welfare check was conducted on Herren Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person reported on Friendship Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Harassment was reported on Fourth Street.

• A complaint of littering was made on Notasulga Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on James Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

• Debris in the roadway was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Bent Oak Lane.

JAN. 29

• A Black male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Honeysuckle Lane.

• A welfare check was conducted on Harris Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

ber of Bethlehem East Baptist Church.

She was the owner of Playmates Nursery and Kindergarten for 32 years. She had a passion for teaching children. Her hobbies included crocheting and reading. She loved spending time with her family and hearing her grandchildren call her Mamaw Faye. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama MR. THOMAS EDWARD GOLDEN Mr. Thomas Edward Golden, a resident of Auburn, Alabama, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born February 21, 1935, in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, to Bert and Carrie Golden.

Mr. Golden is survived by his nephew, David Golden (Beth); great neph-

• Gunfire was reported on Freeman Avenue • Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on North Ann Avenue.

JAN. 28

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Joy Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A burglary was reported on Peachtree Street.

• Debris in the roadway was reported on North Ann Avenue.

JAN. 27

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on West Butler Street.

• A burglary was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested at a traffic accident with injuries on Wall Street.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

JAN. 26

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Ashurst Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Lee Street.

Calendar PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: After more than a yearlong hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. The first story time was held on Friday, May 14, and will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m.

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin

The Tallassee Tribune

ews, James Golden and Eric Golden; several other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Carrie Golden; brothers, Bill Golden, Cecil Golden, Hervie Golden and John R. Golden; sisters, Verma Golden and Marie McDaniel.

Graveside Services will be Wednesday, February 02, 2022, at 11:00am at Old Sharon Cemetery with Rev, Jay Woodall officiating, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Golden retired from Uniroyal after many years of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256.

Please follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing, Tallassee, Alabama

• Public lewdness was reported on Lee Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on First Avenue

JAN. 25

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on First Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Tallassee Highway.

• A Black male was arrested on Rickey Lane.

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• A white female was arrested during a domestic dispute on Macedonia Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on East Patton Street.

• Animal control was requested on Highway 229.

JAN. 24

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Menacing was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.

• Harassment was report-

at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m.

Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

LIVING WORD: You belong here. You and your family are al-

ed on First Avenue.

• An assault was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A prowler was reported on First Avenue.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT JAN. 25

• Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Pemrose Lane.

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

• Possession of a forged instrument was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JAN. 21

• Criminal trespass was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JAN. 20

• Domestic violence was reported on Indian Hill Drive.

• Murder was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JAN. 19

• Criminal trespass and theft were reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JAN. 18

• Possession of marijuana was reported on Chapel Road.

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JAN. 17

Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

JAN. 11

• Theft was reported on Micanopy Street.

ways welcome here. We are located at 1826 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, across from the Dollar General.

Call 334-492-0777 for more information.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality.

There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

The Tallassee Tribune

MAYOR

Continued from A1

now,’” James said. “...We can prove she has chased him with guns and knives. This has harmed his reputation and affected his run for office.”

James alleged Kim has a number of issues.

“She has a severe alcohol problem,” James said. “She drinks constantly. She went to rehab in 2018.

She has ripped pictures off the walls, smashed computers. She has threatened to kill herself.”

James said there are videos of some of the incidents in the home on the couple’s Google Nest system. James tried to get Reynolds to watch one video John had. According to court records, James had also subpoenaed four Tallassee Police Department officers for the hearing. The police officers were never called.

James argued the order from Reynolds was unnecessary as more stringent conditions were placed on John as conditions of bond in Baldwin County.

“Everything in place in the PFA is already in place in the criminal case and more,” James said. “You would not order an ankle monitor, but he is wearing one now so they know where he is at all times.”

Kim’s attorney Clyde Bailey argued John should have done something long before the Orange Beach incident if John felt threatened.

“Through all these allegations, he did nothing,” Bailey said. “They

TAX

Continued from A1

grow — not only with the homes but also with the business, and the student population is following.”

Currently 10-mills of ad valorem is assessed on property in Elmore County for education. One-mill will soon expire. Dennis is asking for eight-mills meaning the total for education would be 17-mills.

“We believe in the future we are going to need more funding to achieve and be competitive with systems out there,” Dennis said.

“In this case there are systems around us that have gone for additional funding and we would like to pursue that as well.”

School systems in Montgomery County and Pike Road have passed property tax increases to help schools.

Like Pike Road, Elmore County is seeing growth and its showing in student enrollment. Dennis said Elmore County Schools have been nearly 100 students per year.

“Not only is our number increasing from October to October but over the course of the year we are seeing an influx of students into Elmore County that is going above that number,” Dennis said.

“We will end the year at a higher number. Right now we are about 40 students up since October.

We are continuously enrolling over the year. That has been our trend over the last few years and continues to increase.”

The evidence of growth is everywhere. New businesses and housing developments especially in Eclectic, Holtville and Redland; and Dennis said Elmore County Schools need to be prepared to match the growth.

“I was just in Eclectic [Monday],” Dennis said.

“You have housing subdivisions getting ready to put a plat in. We want to be on a financial foundation that when the time comes, we do have the revenue to take it to those developments.”

The anticipated growth would not need more teachers and staff to cover increased student population but more programs

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lived together as husband and wife.

He wasn’t afraid of her. He didn’t file anything for protection from her.”

Bailey said the reason for Monday’s PFA hearing was clear and the circumstances surrounding the request are from the Orange Beach incident.

“He absolutely attacked her. He hit her hard enough to break a tooth.

He broke a molar, that isn’t easy to break. Beat her, she was badly bruised. He didn’t just put his hands around her — choked her out — choked until she passed out. She wakes up in the floor. He threatened to kill her while he choked her.”

While John was in the Baldwin County Jail, James said Kim wouldn’t answer John’s calls to help establish an address for conditions to be released on bond.

“While he is in jail not able to make bond, she goes and changes the locks on all the doors and changes the passwords on all their accounts including the Google Nest account that has the videos on it.”

James said newspaper headlines would read, “Abuse order upheld.”

James argued leaving the order in place would be prejudicial to John.

“There is going to be some inference he has done something wrong because it’s still in place,” James said.

Reynolds said until a final hearing or trial, law requires him to leave the PFA order in place.

“If she says she is scared of you, that is sufficient for this court to enter the order,” Reynolds said.

and facilities.

“Athletics, that is a small part of your student body,” Dennis said. “It would be fine arts, athletic venues and additional school structures to help us in areas where we know growth is already taking place.”

Just because the board of education passed a resolution seeking the ad valorem increase doesn’t mean a vote by the county commission makes the additional funding come. If the county commission supports the measure, a request would be made of the Alabama legislature to set a special election for the increase.

Dennis said he hopes a special election would occur in early 2023 with the first collection of a passed increase starting Oct. 1, 2024. Any increase would be shared with Tallassee City Schools based on student population.

Dennis said Elmore County Schools will have to educate the public on what the increase is for.

He also believes the system has a track record to using taxpayers money wisely.

“We have overhauled and attacked all financial areas in the school system as far as trying to be efficient as possible, to make the best decisions as far as finances are concerned,” Dennis said. “We have gone from 1.4 months in operating costs in reserve to 2.5 while at sametime attacking many of those problems that we had with infrastructure, safety issues and maintenance items that we were able to focus on.”

Dennis said recent funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has strings but has freed up some funds. While ARPA has helped it’s only temporary and will disappear in two years.

“In preparation for that we have been evaluating our finances, looking at growth we are experiencing and discussing our long term approach to where we should be at,” Dennis said.

At Monday’s commission meeting Dennis will put many of the plans for the extra revenue on the table.

“We are going to provide

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 • Page A3

“There is no inference drawn from that because we have not had a trial where testimony was taken. I can’t make it both ways. I’m specially prohibited from making it both ways.”

Reynolds said he didn’t understand why John stayed in the home so long.

“I’m wondering why would you stay together if there is gunplay, knife play, attacks,” Reynolds said.

“Why wouldn’t he just get away? “ James reminded Reynolds John filed the divorce.

“Yes, not that he stayed in jail five days,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds ordered Kim to give John access to the Google Nest and is also permitting John one hour to retrieve personal belongings.

“Clothes and personal items mean clothes and tooth brush and hair spray,” Reynolds said. “Don’t mess with anything else.”

Reynolds reminded John of the conditions of the PFA. “Leave her alone means this,” Reynolds said. “Don’t call, don’t write, don’t text, don’t think about, don’t drive by, don’t wave, no smoke signals no nothing. Do not breathe the same air.”

And Reynolds reminded John of the consequences for violating the PFA order.

“The only way I have of enforcing that is if I find out there has been a violation of that order, I will send Elmore County sheriffs,” Reynolds said. “They will package you up and bring you to jail and just keep you.

There is no bond for that.”

the county commission a capital plan that we would pursue programs,” Dennis said. “They would be the programs we are pursuing currently which include co-curricular activities, STEM programing, even programs like college readiness programs.”

One and half mils of the proposed eight-mils would go to the programing and the remainder would be obligated to capital outlay.

Board members were happy to unanimously pass the resolution to go

to the commission.

“Glad to hear it,” board member Brian Ward said.

“We have been talking about it a long time.”

Dennis said it will take everyone to help educate the public what the increased ad valorem would allow Elmore County Schools to do.

“I understand it is going to be an uphill climb and we are going to have to work together,” Dennis said. “I feel this is necessary to put us in a competitive position.”

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Tallassee

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Groundhog Day Happy Groundhog Day. It is an ironic juxtaposition that the State of the Union address by the president and Groundhog Day occur on the same day. One involves a meaningless ritual in which a doddering octogenarian who is as outdated as the State of the Union event stumbles through some scripted predictions.

The other involves an outdated mythical tradition celebrating a prediction by a rodent. Both prognostications by Biden and the Groundhog are insignificant and irrelevant.

Our marquee race for 2022 in the State of Alabama is the race to replace our retiring U.S. Senator, Richard Shelby. Before I delve into the rivalry to follow Shelby and sit in his seat, allow me to say that his junior counterpart in our current Senate tandem, Coach Tommy Tuberville, is doing a good job after his first year as our junior U. S. Senator. There was some speculation regarding his effectiveness given his lack of governmental experience.

Tuberville has put together an excellent staff. He did a good day’s work when he secured Stephen Boyd as his Chief of Staff. Tuberville and his staff are doing an excellent job with constituent service, which is an integral part of a senator’s job when you want to be an effective senator for your state.

Tuberville’s staff is especially interested in helping veterans in Alabama. He has a full-time staff member, who is assigned to helping Alabama veterans get their deserved benefits for their service to our country. You could tell Tuberville was driven to making sure that military veterans and current service men and women were taken care

of when he was running. His father was a career military man and Tuberville revered him. Coach Tuberville has not sought the spotlight and tried to become a Fox News darling and be a right wing ideologue.

He has taken on a workhorse mentality and has voted consistently conservative and been a team player within the GOP Senate caucus. Tuberville realizes that he will never be a Richard Shelby because he got there later in life after his career as a college football coach. He has learned that seniority counts. Arriving in the U. S. Senate at age 66 is not conducive to being a senate giant. Seniority is king in Washington. Tuberville also understands the importance that defense spending and agriculture are to Alabama.

He is applying himself to protecting these two vital concerns as any senator from Alabama should strive to accomplish.

It is all about seniority in the U.S. Senate. It will be at least 15 years before anybody we elect to this senate seat has any real power to bring home the bacon. Katie Britt is 38 and Mo Brooks is 68. You can do the math as to which one has the potential to be effective for Alabama and build seniority and power. Katie Britt not only has the youthfulness to gain seniority, but she also possesses the ability, acumen, and more importantly she wants to be an effective senator for Alabama and protect our military bases and jobs.

Mo Brooks has shown over his 40-year political career and more recently his 10-year congressional tenure that he does not want to be effective for Alabama. He is more

The Tallassee Tribune

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist interested in bomb throwing than doing anything for his district or Alabama. Brooks could not be effective, even if he wanted to. He will be 69 and the Republican leadership would dismiss him as a rightwing gadfly and an old one at that.

The wildcard in the Senate race is one Mike Durant. He came out of the blue three months ago and has bombarded the airwaves with a constant saturation of television ads.

He has run a total media campaign with no one-on-one campaigning.

Few people have ever met him.

He is like a stealth candidate, who only appears on your television as a POW war hero. Durant, who hails from New Hampshire, is primarily self-funding his campaign. However, he is also being financed by a PAC headed by a wealthy donor Harriman, who wants to elect five independent non-partisan senators in the mold of Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine, which would put Durant in a small group of liberal Democrats and Republicans. Durant may also be torpedoed by a family situation that has come to light recently.

The U.S. Senate race is fluid at this time with most people undecided on their choice. It will be interesting to watch.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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Ninety-five percent of listeners can’t be wrong

T

he pandemic has definitely given us more time to listen to music.

As I told a music class recently – filled wall to wall with guys who didn’t sign up for choir and don’t want to be in there (it’s an every-semester thing; part of the gig is having to win them over, which works more often than not) – NOBODY hates music. Everyone loves it. We may not like a certain style or genre, but we appreciate the stuff we like. And according to Billboard magazine, the official journal for music sales and radio airplay, we are consuming more of it than ever.

Over the past one hundred years, we have evolved from having to create music on our own, to attending in-person concerts by musicians at a town gazebo or concert venue, to listening to music on the radio, to purchasing a physical product like a 78, 45, or 33 1/3 record. And then, the reel-to-reel tape, the 8-track cartridge, the cassette tape, the compact disc. And finally, digital downloads and streaming to our phones.

In just the last century, we have gone from having to find music to music finding us. Isn’t that wonderful?

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Billboard crunched the numbers for 2021 and found that the biggest winners of 2021 were Morgan Wallen, Adele, and catalog albums on vinyl.

Vinyl records became the leading format this year for the first time since 1991. CD’s sold 40 million, while there were 41 million records sold.

The last time that many records were sold was in 1991, 31 years ago – that is just astounding that the format has resurrected itself so successfully.

Morgan Wallen started off the year apologizing for some racist comments and appearing as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. The country bad boy sold 3.2 million records in 2021 and led the pack of best sellers.

Pop singer Adele sold 839,000 copies in her first week on the market with the LP, “30,” and is well on her way to reaching new sales goals. She also made history as the first female artist to have an album spend ten con-

secutive years on the charts. That album, “21,” was released a decade ago and its singles are still heard in rotation on radio.

K-Pop was big in 2021. BTS had so many hits around the world, there probably aren’t enough numerals to count the views on their YouTube channel and social media channels.

They did have one English-language song on the radio this year, but most of their music is in their native South Korean tongue.

There were 988 billion streams of music this year. That’s huge, but dig a little deeper and find that current music – songs created in the past eighteen months – actually went down in popularity this year, while the old stuff grew 69 percent.

Five percent of the music streamed in 2021 was created in 2020 or 2021.

A whopping 95 percent was from what Billboard calls the ‘catalog’, which is music created in the 2010s, 2000s, 1990s, 1980s, and even before.

Like I told the class the other day: music is more available today than it’s ever been. So, when Apple Music, Spotify, or Pandora recommends something, give it a try. You might actually like something you’ve never heard before.

Talks The Tallassee Tribune

MIKE MCELROY Columnist

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Special Session Ends With ‘Kumbaya’

By BETH CHAPMAN Guest columnist

T (Un)Common I

courtesy

like Chick-fil-A. I like the food. I like the management philosophy handed down through the firm from its founder, S. Truet Cathy. I like the cows in the ad campaign. And I like how the employees are taught to be courteous and polite. It’s embarrassing to be at some fast food establishments and overhear the employees being hateful and rude to one another, and sometimes to customers as well. But at the Chick-fil-A counter, you hear lots of “Please,” “Thank you,” and “It’s my pleasure.”

Most of us learned as children that “please” and “thank you” were special, polite words. Along with “ma’am” and “sir,” we learned that these words demonstrated we were well-mannered.

Maybe you learned at a small table with a tea set. The tea party guest list included parent, teddy bear and doll. Our pint-sized hostess served a repast of juice and graham crackers while practicing the social graces. Perhaps your mother pretended she couldn’t hear you unless you accompanied your request with “please.” And before we learned how much it means to hear it, most of us probably had to be prompted with a question like, “Now what do you say?” to acknowledge a gift.

When visiting another country where a different language is spoken, some of the first words we learn to say are expressions of gentle requests and simple gratitude. Back in 1993, I learned on my first visit to Ukraine that “please” sounded like “pa-zhalus’-ta” in Russian and “thank you” was “spa-see’-ba.” Different people have different aptitudes, and some learn words in another language more quickly than others. But only the most boorish and selfish of visitors refuse to learn and use these expressions of common courtesy in their travels.

I suppose I’m thinking and writing about this because courtesy doesn’t seem very common any more. Too many work places, homes and even churches are following the downward spiral of rudeness that has become the common thing in our culture. I heard a speaker say he was never called “sir” anywhere in the country except in the South and on military bases. I am glad, and not ashamed to be from the South, where most of us were and still are taught to say “sir” and “ma’am” as demonstrations of respect for others.

Polite words are the basics, the fundamentals of interpersonal relationships. Those who ignore the basics of any skill or discipline are not likely to succeed at it. John Wooden was one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. He started each season of coaching at UCLA with simple instructions about the correct way to put on socks.

Football legend Vince Lombardi had a reason for opening every Green Bay Packers training camp with the words, “Gentlemen, this is a football.”

Very few championships are won in sports or fortunes made in business by people who neglect the fundamentals.

In the same way, healthy and rewarding relationships are the result of knowing and doing the fundamental things. “Please” and “thank you” should be hallmarks of our relationships with others in a family, at work or in the church. It is a mark of prideful egotism to bark out orders to one another. We show a lack of respect for the people around us when we are curt and harsh with our words. Paul said, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). And, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

Paul specialized in expressing gratitude. His life and his writings were characterized by thankfulness. We would do well to imitate him. Maybe our children would say these things more often if they heard us say them more often. Our relationships would be strengthened by saying and meaning “please” and “thank you” more every day.

Our relationship with God is also enhanced when these words are part of our prayer vocabulary. He invites our requests, not our demands (Philippians 4:6). It is humbling to ask, which may be why why some people don’t pray. When we express gratitude to God, we admit our dependence upon him. When our arrogance inhibits our thanksgiving, we are ignoring the ancient counsel of psalmists and apostles who repeatedly encourage us to give thanks. We should not ignore these basic principles when we pray.

How and where could you do better this week about saying “please” and “thank you”? May God grant us more grace to be more courteous.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 • Page A5

he special session of the Legislature ended with $772 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds going to expand high-speed internet, water and sewer projects and healthcare needs. But it could have just as easily ended with the Legislature holding hands and singing “Kumbaya.”

The five-day session’s grand finale came when both chambers (almost) unanimously passed identical bills, something that rarely happens. Yes, Hades froze over – everyone of both parties in both chambers agreed on something. Well, all right, one representative didn’t, but she’s just one of the 126 that voted. There were three abstentions.

The bi-partisan plan approved in the special session allocates the following: $276 million (36%) for

broadband expansion in underserved areas of the state; $225 million (29.2%) for water and sewer infrastructure; $80 million for hospitals and nursing homes; $79.5 million (10%) for our state’s unemployment compensation trust fund; $37 million for healthcare services for such entities as mental health, rehabilitative services and assisted living homes; $30 million for rural hospitals; $20 million for emergency medical responders, including $10 million for volunteer fire departments across the state; $11 million for county jails; $7.8 million for administrative costs for the funding (as nothing is free and accountability is everything); and $5 million for telemedicine.

If this seems overwhelming to us commoners who can’t even imagine that kind of money, there is a future round of $1.06 billion coming to our state in the form of American Res-

cue Plan Act funds as well.

The legislation passed in the special session is now in the hands of Gov. Kay Ivey to sign into law – a non-controversial bill and it’s an election year at the same time. (A true political win-win situation.)

Enjoy the non-controversial ambiance of the special session last week because this week the Legislature goes back into regular session and there probably won’t be any hand holding or singing “Kumbaya” going on. With gambling lying in wait and school choice and permitless carry on the agenda, it is not likely there will be many non-controversial issues in the Legislature.

Stay tuned for more. There are “many more miles to go” before our legislative journey ends. Until then, enjoy the afterglow of a successful special session – a non-controversial special session at that.

ARPA water, sewer spending can be life-changing

By LANCE LEFLEUR DIRECTOR Alabama Department of Environmental Management Thanks to billions of federal dollars to assist in the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama has an unprecedented opportunity to address longstanding and, in some cases, dire problems plaguing water and sewer systems across the state. It is imperative we take advantage of this opportunity to provide the help these systems, and our fellow residents who depend on them, desperately need.

Many of the approximately 1,200 water and sewer systems in Alabama – large and small; rural, urban and suburban – have significant repair and upgrade needs. In addition, there are a number of state residents who lack adequate water or sewer service, adversely affecting their living conditions and putting their health at risk.

That is especially true in Alabama’s Black Belt. For too many homes, traditional septic systems to handle sewerage needs either won’t work or are too costly due to the dense, chalk-like soil that prevents wastewater from being absorbed into the ground.

As recent high-profiled stories showed, the result for many of these residents is sewage pooling around their homes from illegal “straight pipes.” These straight pipes may take sewage away from the homes, but they can also produce a stomach-turning stench and open the door to all manner of health problems.

Low-income communities often lack the financial resources and tax base to remedy these problems on their own.

Help, though, is on the way – from the COVID relief funds whose use is being determined in the current Special Session of the Legislature called by Gov. Kay Ivey.

Working with the governor, legislative leadership introduced legislation that has received broad, bipartisan support and is poised for final approval on Thursday. It appropriates $225 million for the most critical water and sewer needs. A portion will go to high-priority or emergency projects previously identified, in part, from ADEM’s longstanding work with its Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Guest Columnist

and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. These projects would provide or improve access to water or sewer services in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the lack of local resources. Included are grants for demonstration projects in the Black Belt to address special sewage problems related to poor, sparsely populated areas and where soils may not perc.

ADEM was chosen by the governor and the Legislature to oversee this spending because of its decades of work in environmental regulatory activities and overseeing low-interest loans to water and sewer systems through the SRF programs. Those programs loan $100 million each year to repair and upgrade water and sewer systems, with the money being replenished by repayment of prior loans. However, many systems are too poor to even qualify for SRF loans because they don’t have the tax or user fee base to repay loans or meet other requirements.

The good news is ARPA funds will have little or no match requirements for the most disadvantaged communities.

More good news: Additional money is coming to states from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed in November. Alabama expects $765 million over the next five years that can be used for water and wastewater infrastructure.

These totals seem like a lot of money, and they are. The money will do a lot of good work.

Unfortunately, it still will not cover all of Alabama’s water and sewer infrastructure needs.

As is the case throughout the nation, much of that infrastructure was built in the 1970s following the passage of the Clean Water Act. That means 50 years of decay and deterioration, plus the lack of adequate maintenance in some cases.

Obviously, these systems were not created, or able to be maintained, equally, and

so their needs vary.

That’s why it’s critical that the state prioritize the spending of the ARPA and BIL funding based on need and the ability of each individual community to help pay for the infrastructure work – with the priority going to the neediest and poorest communities.

The first step is continuing to gather data to assess needs and capabilities— engineering analyses, project costs, operating costs, system financial resources, rate structure, etc. The goal is to address the greatest needs first.

Also paramount in this process is sustainability. It is not enough just to build or upgrade a system. The systems need to become self-sustaining as well.

Of course, ADEM will not do this alone, or in a vacuum. Programs of this magnitude necessitate cooperation among various agencies and organizations, and there are many that will be involved in this endeavor. ADEM will be working with the Governor’s Office, state and local Health Departments, the Alabama Rural Water Association, the Alabama League of Municipalities, the Consortium for Alabama Rural Water and Wastewater Management and its members (which have done much-needed research into solving the unique problems of the Black Belt) and others on the state and local level. We will also be partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the federal level.

The process and criteria used to determine what projects are funded will be open and accessible to the public through regular website updates.

Certainly, managing the allotment of hundreds of millions of dollars for hundreds of water and sewer projects across the state is a major undertaking and an additional challenge for the ADEM’s dedicated professionals.

It is a challenge the department welcomes, because we recognize the benefits can literally be life-changing. This is an historic opportunity to improve the health and quality of life for thousands of Alabamians, and ADEM is dedicated to working to ensure the money gets where it is needed the most.

Page A6 • Wednesday, February 2, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

The Tallassee Tribune

Humane Society of Elmore County News – 31 Jan ‘22

PET OF THE WEEK

By Rea Cord Executive Director

HAMPTON

Hampton is a most unique looking boy, breed mix is really a mystery so just calling him a hound mix for lack of a better idea. He is a tall fella, about 9 months old, around 60 lbs. He was very shy at first but time and treats brought him around.

Once he is comfortable with you he is super sweet. We have not yet checked with cats, he is good with his female kennel mate.

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one-yearold; cats over one-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the man-

datory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Hampton or any of our pets, please first email us at hselco@bellsouth. net for our Adoption Application.

Once that is cleared, we will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet & adopt.

We are located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, our phone number is 334-567-3377 and our website is www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

While COVID is no doubt still an issue, after two plus years, we have all pretty much navigated how to live our lives and work around COVID. So, we are often asked lately – are you back to letting people just come in and look around? The upfront answer is no – we are going to stay with our Adoption Application/Appointment as well as Intake by Appointment system and here is why.

Like all of the Shelters in the River Region, we are an Open-Admission Shelter meaning we take them all from our own counties (bite cases being the exception under AL Rabies Laws) – the nice ones, dangerous, sick, injured, young, old, etc. Prior to COVID all of us basically lived in a constant state of barely controlled chaos & complete reactionary mode.

We had no clue when & what the public would show up with, or what they were looking for until they walked in the door. And, like everyone in retail will attest to – either no one was here, or everyone showed up at the very same time. As non-profits none of us have huge staffs just sitting with nothing to do. There is a non-ending litany of tasks every single day in an animal shelter – vaccinations, medications, behavior evaluations, photos, cleaning, feeding, getting them ready and sending for spay/neuter surgeries, settling in the animals coming in via citizens and Animal Control Officers, working with adopters to meet potential best friends, matching up lost and found reports, restocking supplies and on and on and on.

When COVID forced us all to adjust so that we could stay operational, we ALL found that going to an appointment system finally put some sanity into our daily operations. With intake and adoption appointments we can look at the schedule at the beginning of the day and have a 75% idea of what is on tap for that day and plan accordingly. We all still have people who do show up to surrender an animal they found or cannot keep and fit those in accordingly. We all still add appointments same day as we are able, but since those are not the majority we can adjust much more easily.

Knowing what is coming in helps us have the appropriate space be prepared – a litter of nine puppies has an entirely different need than a 95-pound Great

Pyrenees and by knowing what is coming we can be ready instead of scrambling to find the right spot. We can also work to keep dangerous animals from coming at the same time a family with children is also walking across the parking lot. We take in more dangerous animals than most realize and getting them safely and quickly moved into the kennels is our priority for that appointment. Animal Control Officers cannot schedule with us as they are reacting to calls from the public, so we are working their animals in as well.

As for adoptions – doing the Adoption Application FIRST helps us help the adopter find a pet that will be a success for both pet and people alike.

The application helps us see what their wants and limitations are, so we don’t make a bad match. If someone wants a dog but also has a cat, then we might have to first check the dog they are interested in to make sure it is actually safe with cats – sometimes they are not and then we can see if another dog might be a potential good fit. This process can also save people wasted trips to the Shelter as reality is about 75% of people contacting us for dogs want a small dog. But small dogs are generally less than 10% of our population and right now we just do not have any small dogs for adoption. Same can go with puppies as we might not have any or we might not have kittens in the winter. Sadly, the one thing we ALWAYS have are large, adult dogs looking for homes – ALWAYS! If you don’t know – this system does require us to all to keep our pets posted on sites like www.petfinder.com or www.adoptapet.com and there you can search and see what pets we all have for adoption. These listings change constantly as we all add new pets and take off those that have been adopted but this is how you can easily see what we all have for adoption. You can also go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org to do a WISH LIST Application and tell us what you are looking for so we can be on the lookout.

Across the country, most Shelters are staying with some variation of an appointment system as, undoubtedly, they learned what we did – it improves our ability to care for our animals, keep everyone safe and helps us help the public. Please work with us and you will find that it is not as burdensome as you may think – just call us at 334-567-3377 or email hselco@ bellsouth.net for any questions.

■■ Community 9iospita{ ■■ 'Eit_ce«ence in Community J{eaCtn Care

Vaccine Clinic Update

Current Status: Vaccines Administered: 2603 Current Vaccine: Moderna ( for Ages 18 and above)

Upcoming Clinic:

February 10, 2022 Appointment Request Hotline

(334) 283-3842 • Monday through Friday 7 AM - 5 PM

To learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccine, visit www.ADPH.org

The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 • Page A7

TASTES LIKE

GIVING Cliff Williams / THE HERALD

Guests enjoyed the annual Taste of Elmore County at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The event benefited the Elmore County Food Pantry. Elmore County restaurants served up crowd favorites during the annual event.

Police continues investigation, man no longer suspected

By JAKE ARTHUR Chief Videographer Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.

Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call.

Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.

According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.

“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton.

“We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”

This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.

“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.

Benton didn’t want to speculate on the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator.

Winston’s family was upset last week and wanted answers. His family reached out to The Herald shortly before a press release from CrimeStoppers showed photos of a person wanted for questioning.

“Officers came and informed our mother, that’s it. We haven’t heard from them again,” said Collier.

They believed race played a role in the lack of an arrest and indicated they would investigate the murder themselves if police wouldn’t.

“If it was a little white kid there would be someone arrested already,” said Collier.

“If police aren’t going to do

something, we are going to investigate it.”

Last Friday afternoon, Benton said the investigators were “working on the case as we speak” and that they already had some leads.

“We have some leads, I feel good about it,” said Benton.

The Wetumpka Police Department released video frames from gas station security footage of a white Ford Crown Victoria and a black Ford Ranger. They also released two photos of a white man wanted for questioning. According to a CrimeStoppers release last Tuesday afternoon, the man originally wanted had been identified and is no longer a person of interest in the shooting death of Winston.

“The scene was turned over to the Wetumpka

Criminal Investigations Division. Wetumpka C.I.D. Detectives processed the scene for evidence and are following up on several leads at this time,” the police department said in a statement. “We want the citizens of Wetumpka to understand, we will not rest until we bring the perpetrators responsible for this loss of life and reckless behavior to justice.”

As of Tuesday morning, no arrests had been made.

If you have any information regarding the fatal shooting, please immediately call the Wetumpka Police at 334-567-5321 or CrimeStoppers using the 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP. Managing Editor Kaitlin Fleming contributed to this article.

Holtville’s Futral named Alabama principal of the year Staff Report The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.

The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.

“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to shift in a positive direction.

The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.

“It is evident that Mr. Futral has honed his leadership skills for the betterment of the students, staff and the school overall,” AASSP and CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson said. “I’m pleased that Mr. FuFUTRAL tral’s accomplishments can be recognized and celebrated with this award.”

Futral was chosen from three district finalists. The finalists interviewed with a panel of judges at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November where the winner was determined.

The other finalists were Terina Gantt of Demopolis High School in Demopolis City Schools and Seth Taylor of Pleasant Valley High School in Calhoun

County Schools. An overall winner will be chosen from the High School and Middle School Principals of the Year and will be recognized as Alabama’s Principal of the Year.

Futral has served a total of 15 years in education with the last seven years in administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College in 2007. In 2014, he received a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Auburn University.

American Fidelity Assurance sponsors this award annually and Interior Elements grants an office makeover to the winner.

The Alabama High School Principal of the Year Award is sponsored by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals and American Fidelity Assurance. Futral will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon during the CLAS Convention on June 14, 2022, at the BJCC in Birmingham.

The CLAS Convention is the largest gathering of school leaders in the state of Alabama. He will also be recognized at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November 2022.

Religion

Visit our sister websites: www.AlexCityOutlook.com www.TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Page A8 • Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Tallassee Tribune www.TallasseeTribune.com

Thou Art With Me I

was assisting in Vacation Bible School at the church I served while an Auburn student. The day’s lesson for the children was Psalm 23, and the point was David, though alone in the wilderness, had the assurance of God’s presence.

“David was away from family and friends,” I said. “But he wasn’t alone. Why?” A freckle-faced angel named Denise spoke up: “He had the sheeps!”

Of course she was correct. But what I wished to communicate was that in his solitude David communed with God. He began

to see his care of the sheep as a picture of God’s care for his people. David recorded his thoughts, many of which we read in the book of Psalms.

He wrote a familiar word in verse 1: “I shall not want.” The Christian Standard Bible renders “I have what I need.”

The Chevrolet Corvette assembly plant and museum is in Bowling Green, Ken. Visitors are invited inside, and for $75,000, may choose their new Corvette from the assembly line and drive it home.

I want a Corvette, but I need a Camry!

Of course we know there’s a difference between our wants and our needs. And God promises to supply our needs as we trust him (Philippians 4:19).

Another well-known word is verse 4: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me.” The CSB renders this the “darkest valley.” And most of us have been there.

One in three of us will hear the dread diagnosis “cancer.” This is a terrible word. Both my mother and my father-in-law heard this diagnosis and died from the disease. Death is a dark valley. The older we get the more loved ones

our work.

And personal moral crisis is another dark valley. We encounter something we know is hurtful and wrong, but we deliberately choose to go that way. We disappoint ourselves, our family and our God. David knew that the Good Shepherd isn’t a fair-weather one. He promises not to forsake us in the darkest valley. He has a rod to ward off evil, and a staff to rescue his sheep from places of danger. We are not alone in the difficulties of life.

MICHAEL J. BROOKS Columnist we lose to death. I suppose Travis Tritt is correct—when we’re young we feel “ten feet tall and bulletproof.” But age makes us think about the darkest valley of death.

What about job loss? I’ve known many who lost work at the peak of their careers. “We’ve got to let you go” isn’t a word we want to hear. We experience dread anxiety about the future, about providing for our families and about personal fulfillment that most of us get from

Reflections is a weekly devotional feature written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church, Alabaster, Alabama. The church’s website is siluriabaptist.com.

Church Briefs BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gos-

pel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blankets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov.

11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more

Tallassee Churches

BAPTIST Providence Primitive Baptist Bethlehem East Church 7561 Upper River Road 4850 Chana Creek Road Calvary Baptist Church Refuge Baptist Church 293 N Wesson Street 3098 Red Hill Road Word of Life River Road 501 Sims Avenue 239 Lower Tuskegee Road Carrville Baptist Church Riverside Heights Hispanic Mission 2436 Notasulga Road 495 Little Road East Tallassee Baptist Church Rock Springs 314 Central Boulevard 375 Rigsby Road Elam Baptist Church Rock Springs Baptist Church 4686 Notasulga Road 2810 Rock Springs Drive First Baptist Church Tallassee First 1279 Friendship Road 1279 Friendship Road Flatrock Missionary Baptist Church Tallaweka Baptist Church 1024 Flat Rock Road 1419 Gilmer Avenue Friendship Westside Baptist Church 4345 Friendship Road 1825 Gilmer Avenue Liberty Baptist Church 574 Liberty Road CATHOLIC Mount Zion Baptist Church St Vincent De Paul Parish 64 Log Circle 620 Gilmer Avenue

AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5674413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE

Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231, Wetumpka 5679143

ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 5675754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545

Hometown Service from the People You Trust!

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

(334) 252-8800

eat fresh.

™

“Come to see us.”

464 Gilmer Avenue 283-2247

Talisi Florist 906 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, AL (334) 991-4230

Beautiful, Quality, Flowers For Any Occasion.

LOW COST CARS

Used Carss & Trucks

5264 Notasulga Road Tallassee, AL

“Take a Ride...

Then Decide!”

LOW COST CARS...............................(334) 283-3051 BOBBY KELLEY (Cell).....................(334) 415-3062 DAWN HAMMOCK..........................(334) 283-3051

Serving Tallassee since 1992

84632 Tallassee Highway, Eclectic, AL 36024 God’s Church, Campfire Ministries 209 Barnett Bouelvard Tallassee, AL 36078 The Lord Our Righteousness Center, Inc. 4566 Claud Road Eclectic, AL 36024 Tallassee First Assembly of God 185 Friendship Road, Tallassee, AL 36078 EPISCOPAL Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue METHODIST East Tallassee United Methodist Church 101 Central Boulevard First United Methodist Church 1 Jordan Avenue New Zion

Surrounding Area Churches

HERREN HILL PHARMACY & GIFTS 24 Herren Hill Road P.O. Box 780061 Tallassee, AL 36078

CHRISTIAN/OTHER Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ 1072 Muskogee Trail East Tallassee Church of Christ 501 Central Boulevard First Presbyterian Church 514 Central Blvd Light of Jesus Outreach Ministries 140 Gin Street Macedonia Christian Church 2685 Macedonia Road Mount Olive Congregational Christian Church NACCC 492 Kent Road Oak Heights Church of Christ 74 Manning Circle Tallassee Church of Christ 209 Gilmer Avenue Wind Rain & Fire Ministries International 1201 Gilmer Avenue Vessel Church

First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church 2520 Lynwood Dr., Millbrook 2855213 Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church

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BUILDINGS

2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist 3111 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 2856792 Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 5674729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 5412556

Phone

East Tallassee Baptist Church

SUNDAYS Sunday School.......................................9:15 AM Worship Service...................................10:25AM Evening Worship...................................5:00 PM Youth & Children’s Bible Study...........5:00 PM WEDNESDAYS Bible Study..............................................6:00 PM Youth & Children’s Bible Study............6:00 PM Children in Action.................................6:00 PM 314 Central Blvd. • Tallassee, AL • (334) 283-5808

‘‘ Y O U R L O C A L G A S G O M P A N Y ’’ WETUMPKA OFFICE CLANTON OFFICE 1050 Woodfin Lane • (205) 755-2739 7616 US Hwy. 231 • (334) 567-8833 SLAPOUT OFFICE TALLASSEE OFFICE 9945 Holtville Road • (334) 569-3325 1603 Gilmer Avenue • (334) 283-2795

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Submit your church news to: editor@tallasseetribune.com

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information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”

OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY

Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www. wacqradio.com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.

3523 Ashurst Bar Road St. Paul Tallassee 101 Herren Hill Road Wall Street 71 Zion Street INDEPENDENT Abundant Life Church 2634 Lower Tuskegee Road Saint Mark All Nationals Pentecostal Foundation Church 30 Stewart Street Tallassee Church of God 134 Adams Street Tallassee Holiness Church 194 Honeysuckle Lane God’s Congregation Holiness Church 508 Jordan Avenue Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Highway in Eclectic

Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5675191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore

If you would like to be a sponsor of the Devotional Thoughts each week, please give us a call, 334-567-7811.

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Sports

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Tribune

Phone: 334-283-6568 Fax: 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 • Page B1

Tallassee’s Chloe Davidson signs NLI with Faulkner softball impressed the coaching staff during the workout, and communication came shortly after.

An offer followed shortly after that, and she committed to play for the Lady Eagles’ program in the middle of November.

“The opportunity of playing at a four-year university was intriguing,” Davidson said.

“When I toured the school, the family atmosphere helped with my decision. I also developed a close relationship with Coach (Hal) Wynn.

Davidson is being recruited as both a pitcher and an infielder, but she said she will play whatever position the team needs her to be successful.

She was successful in both roles last season, as she helped the Tallassee softball team to a 25-14 overall record and a deep

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Tallassee’s Chloe Davidson has already made her mark on the high school softball scene, and now she will continue to do so at the college level.

Davidson, a senior infielder and pitcher, fulfilled her dream of playing college softball and signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Faulkner University on Jan. 7.

“It seems surreal,” Davidson said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing college softball. Words cannot express how excited I am to continue my softball career at the next level.”

The recruiting process was both easy and relaxed, Davidson said. She first got into contact with the Faulkner program when she attended a workout there last July. She

See DAVIDSON, Page B2

COURTESY PHOTO

Tallassee senior infield and pitcher Chloe Davidson signed her National Letter of Intent to play college softball at Faulkner University on January 7.

Edgewood Academy boys host Lakeside in first round of playoffs

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Jake Arthur / THE HERALD

The Edgewood boys basketball team is playing its best basketball at the right time.

Edgewood Academy, which sports a 10-16 overall record this year, has won five of its last seven games as it enters the AISA Class AA playoffs.

Edgewood Academy, the No. 2 seed out of Area 2, will host Area 1’s No. 3 seed Lakeside School on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The winner of the game will advance to the AISA Elite Eight tournament next week.

“We preached all year that our schedule at the beginning of the year was going to be tough, especially coming in with such an inexperienced team,” coach Darryl Free said.

“We just wanted to stay focused and get to area and hoped it would pay off. So far, it’s started to pay off.

We’ve started to play some better basketball as of late.”

Edgewood Academy only returned See PLAYOFFS, Page B2

COURTESY PHOTO

Edgewood Academy’s Austin Champion goes up for a layup. Champion, a junior point guard, leads the Wildcats in scoring this year and is averaging 16.3 points

COURTESY PHOTO

Wetumpka sophomore Kurtis Schuyler participated in his first powerlifting competition on January 8. In that competition, he set four state and national records in the junior

Wetumpka’s Kurtis Schuyler sets four state, national powerlifting records

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Wetumpka sophomore Kurtis Schuyler has always been naturally stronger than kids his age, but it wasn’t until about two and a half years ago when he decided to make the most of his strength.

Schuyler was surfing YouTube one day when he ran across four-time World’s Strongest Man winner Brian Shaw. He started to get interested in the pure strength of Shaw, and decided he wanted to be like him.

As Schuyler dove deeper into lifting weights and strongman competitions, he ran across other lifters such as Eddie Hall and Thor Bjornsson. Following that, he started following powerlifting.

He then decided that he didn’t want to be as big as the strongmen were, but he wanted to be strong. So he got into powerlifting. And his first powerlifting competition on January 8th did not disappoint.

On Jan. 8, Schuyler participated in his first United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) event held in Tuscaloosa.

There, he broke four state and nation-

al records for the junior men’s division (ages 13-15). He set records for squat (479.50 pounds), bench press (319.70 pounds), deadlift (551.20 pounds) and total weight (1,350.30 pounds).

“That was the best day ever,” Schuyler said of his first event. “I went into there with the mindset that I wanted every record and I would accept nothing less. I got it. …

I’m thankful that the Lord has given me the strength and the ability to do that. And I’m thankful for parents who will take me to the gym and transport me and the equipment I’m able to work out with. And also, it’s a very rewarding feeling because you’re See POWERLIFTING, Page B2

COURTESY PHOTO

Kurtis Schuyler squats 479.50 pounds during a powerlifting competition on January 8. His squad set both a state and national record in the junior men’s division.

Payton Stephenson shoots a 3-point-basket during an AHSAA basketball game between Holtville and Elmore County at Elmore County High School in Eclectic on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. Elmore County won the game 68-61.

Stephenson leads Elmore County past Holtville

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor When Elmore County’s Payton Stephenson wanted to score on Monday night, there was nobody on Holtville’s team who could stop the junior point guard.

Stephenson, who is averaging nearly 25 points per game this year, scored 28 points as the Elmore County boys beat Holtville, 68-64, in an AHSAA Class 5A, Area 6 matchup.

The win puts Elmore County in a tie for first place with Marbury. Since the two teams split their season series and are both 5-1 in area play, a coin flip was held on Tuesday morning to determine which team will host the area tournament.

“The win for the boys is huge,” coach Rodney Taylor said. “We had to win See STEPHENSON, Page B2

The hits keep coming for Auburn football S ince I have been old enough to remember, Auburn has fielded a really good football team and a really awful basketball team. There have been moments when the two crossed over, but for the most part they resided on opposite ends of the spectrum. The football program has only had eight losing seasons since 1981.

The basketball program has had 19 losing or non-winning seasons since 1981. It would appear this dynamic no longer applies

ANDY GRAHAM

Columnist in the Loveliest Village. Bruce Pearl has not only brought respectability to the Auburn basketball program, but he’s building a winning tradition. Now that Pearl has extended his contract for presumably the rest of his

career and been generously compensated, the expectation is for the Tigers to be a perennial contender for the foreseeable future.

There is ample evidence that expectation will be a reality and that is a wonderful development.

I applaud Allen Greene and the Auburn administration for being proactive securing their greatest asset and rewarding a well deserving coach. That’s one side of the coin.

Ideally, I would love for both programs to compete at the

highest level and the basketball program rising from the ashes is a great step in that direction.

I certainly don’t want football to start descending just as basketball is ascending. However, the other side of the coin isn’t looking so shiny at the moment.

One of those eight losing seasons was last year under firstyear head coach Bryan Harsin.

That’s not the worst thing in the world during a transitional season, but it seems like every day there’s one bad development af-

ter another. I’ve tried to be as positive as possible and I’m not ready to hit the panic button quite yet, but even I have my limits.

Harsin hired Seattle Seahawks QB coach Austin Davis as the new OC to replace Mike Bobo who he fired at the end of the season. Davis resigned Monday after only two weeks on the job.

Apparently, he is going through some personal issues and is stepping away from football altoSee AUBURN, Page B2

Page B2 • Wednesday, February 2, 2022

www.TallasseeTribune.com

AUBURN

DAVIDSON

gether for the time being. I feel bad for the guy and no one is blaming Harsin for Davis’s problems, but it’s time to start questioning Harsin’s judgment when it comes to hiring his staff. Lots of turnover with assistant coaches when you’re winning means very little. Lots of turnover when you’re losing means a whole lot. A couple more promising young players hit the transfer portal last week as well bringing the total to near 20.

Again, I think Harsin deserves time to figure things out, but he better start figuring things out a little more quickly for his own sake.

The basketball program has finally risen to the level I’ve always wanted. Butch Thompson has the baseball program contending nearly every year. The softball program is poised to have a good year. Gymnastics is on the rise. Equestrian is the dominant program in the country. The last thing we need is for football to plunge into the toilet. I wonder if Coach Pearl knows anything about the gridiron. Maybe he could just pull double duty.

playoff run that included a thrilling walk-off win over Brewbaker Tech in the Tuscaloosa regional.

For her play last year in both the circle and at the plate, she was named to the All-Elmore County softball team. Now she wants to continue improving on her abilities and bring a strong versatility of skills to Falkner.

Continued from B1

Continued from B1

PLAYOFFS

Continued from B1

one starter from its team a year ago, junior point guard Austin Champion.

So as the season got started, the Wildcats found themselves with no experience and a brutal schedule.

Edgewood won its season opener, then went on to drop seven of their next eight games. On January 11, Free’s team was sitting with a 5-14 record and had four-straight area games in front of them.

They reeled off three of four wins during that stretch to secure the No. 2 seed in the area, with the only loss coming to No. 1 seed Autauga Academy.

Despite the loss 15-point loss to Autauga, Edgewood was leading that game by three points

Continued from B1

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“I plan to bring a strong work ethic, a good glove, a strong bat, and an eagerness to continue to improve in the circle,” Davidson said.

Falkner has had a very successful softball program over the last few years, and that’s a testament to coach Wynn. Wynn has been the head coach of the Lady Eagles for the last 30 years since its inaugural season in 1992.

Under Wynn, Faulkner has posted winning records in 11 of the last 18 seasons and has recorded at least 25

heading into the fourth quarter. And it was a big improvement from the two team’s first matchup, when Autauga beat Edgewood by 40 points.

“It’s really just staying locked in and staying focused throughout the year,” Free said. “We had to understand that our schedule was brutal.

I would be willing to say one of, if not the most difficult in our association.

Once we got into our area, it was just to play our game and we were able to get some wins and build some confidence. Once we were able to get some confidence, things started to turn around a little bit.”

One of the biggest keys to finding success late in the season was finding additional scorers to help complement Champion.

Champion leads the Wildcats in scoring with 16.3 points per game this year. He’s the only player

STEPHENSON

this one to even have a chance to host the tournament. We gave ourselves a chance at a coin toss and that’s all I could ask for tonight.”

Stephenson’s big night started as early as three minutes into the first quarter. With Holtville leading 7-2, Elmore County called a timeout to stop the Bulldogs’ run.

Out of the timeout, Stephenson scored his first two points on a layup, then added a putback layup and a 3-pointer as Elmore County used a 14-0 run to take control of the game and go up 16-7.

The Panthers led, 16-9, at the end of the first quarter with Stephenson scoring seven of the 16 points.

“Payton is a great player and he’s hard to guard,” Taylor said. “The other night he scored 35 against Holtville. Sometimes you play the match-ups and Holtville does a really good job and they play hard, but the reality is that they don’t have anybody who can guard him.”

Stephenson added four points in the second quarter and Elmore County led, 27-19, at the half.

POWERLIFTING Continued from B1

working for years for that moment.”

For the first year and a half of Schuyler powerlifting, he wasn’t looking at breaking records. He just wanted to be strong, for himself and for football and baseball, so he kept lifting weights.

As he continued lifting, he realized he was pretty good at it. So he kept doing it. And he started training harder and longer. Whenever he wasn’t at practice, the lake, church or school, he was in the gym.

As he kept lifting and kept getting stronger, Schuyler decided to start taking it seriously. So he started looking at competitions, then a year ago he started looking at records. And he set out to break those records.

A year go, Schuyler was bench pressing right at 300 pounds without pausing, squatting 400 pounds without good depth and wearing knee wraps, and deadlifting 430 pounds with straps.

His biggest jump came in deadlift, and he improved over 120 pounds without using straps. He fixed his form and jumped a mental hurdle that he had after watching his gym partner pull a muscle in his back

The Tallassee Tribune

wins in all but seven full seasons.

The program has accumulated 30 or more wins 11 times and earned bids to the NAIA Region XIII tournament in 12 of the last 13 seasons.

Wynn led the Lady Eagles to the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history after winning its first Opening Round appearance under the new format in 2018. The team went 48-16 that season.

Last season, Faulkner went 31-16 with a 14-8 conference record.

in double digits, but junior Cooper Hall is pretty close.

Hall is averaging 9.8 ppg, and he’s just gotten better and better over the course of the year. During the last seven games when Edgewood has gotten hot, he has scored 15 points or more in four of them.

He scored a career-high 24 points in a win over Cornerstone Christian on Jan. 25.

“Cooper Hall has been a real emergence as one of our post players,” Free said. “He’s been able to be a second threat with right about 10 ppg. He gives Austin a relief valve and makes it where Austin doesn’t have to score it all.”

Edgewood also gotten two minutes from two eighth graders - 6-foot-3 Brock Whitt and 6-foot1 Thomas Justiss. Both have been starting since Christmas, and are aver-

aging about 10 ppg and 7 rebounds per game together.

The matchup with Lakeside will not be the first time the two schools have met this year.

Edgewood hosted Lakeside on Dec. 17, and the Wildcats walked away with a 57-47 win in the game.

Lakeside, much like Edgewood, is a young team with some talented scorers. Sophomore guard Ileek Quinn leads the team with 20.8 ppg, while eighth grader Jayden Buckhannon adds 10.8 ppg.

“Lakeside is a lot like us,” Free said. “They’re a really young basketball team and they’ve got some pieces that can give us trouble. Their record doesn’t show their talent because they also play a hard schedule. We have to respect them and know what they’re capable of.”

Holtville was able to cut the lead to six or seven points multiple times throughout the third quarter, but every time they did, Stephenson had an answer. Stephenson scored 10 points in the third quarter alone, off two 3-pointers, a layup and two free throws.

Each one of his field goals and his two free throws came right after a Holtville bucket to cut into the lead.

“It’s just a mental switch that flips when it comes to Holtville,” Stephenson said. “It’s a county rival and I’ve always hated them. I just have to turn it on.”

Elmore County pushed its lead out to as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter, but Holtville put together one last run to make the game interesting.

Down 66-51 with just a few minutes left, Holtville got back into the game on a quick 8-0 run. Mikey Forney laid in a layup and John Williamson and Dalton Yarroch each hit a 3-pointer to make the score 66-59.

Down 68-61 after an Elmore County layup, Williamson added another layup and 3-pointer to cut the lead to only four points.

Holtville got the ball back with

14 seconds left, down 68-64, but couldn’t make another shot to cut the lead any closer.

while deadlifting.

“It was really a mental thing above everything else. Before I made the big jump, I did get worried about hurting myself once I got over 400 pounds. As I watched more powerlifters pull 100s and 100s of pounds.

I was like ‘That’s ridiculous. These guys are so strong.’ So it was just a mental thing. I told myself to just put more weight on there and pick it up.”

The thing about powerlifting is that you can always get stronger and continue to add weights. So Schuyler can look at his national records that he set and if he’s unhappy with one, can decide to compete and try to set a higher one with more weight.

That’s one of Schuyler’s favorite parts of the gym. He loves that he’s always competing against himself and he can always be better.

Now moving forward, Schuyler has the chance to continue lifting in competitions. With his performance in Tuscaloosa, he qualified to compete at a national event in both Oklahoma or Moscow, Russia, later this year.

The Oklahoma competition is in November, and Schuyler said that is the timeframe he is looking at for his next competition.

That gives him a few months to enjoy other sports. Schuyler is cur-

rently on Wetumpka’s baseball team, and the Indians are set to begin their season later this month. Following the high school baseball season, Schuyler will play for the East Coast Sox travel baseball team.

He won’t stop lifting during baseball season, but his main focus won’t be to bulk up and increase weight. He will focus on maintaining his strength and adding endurance.

He thinks his weight totals will actually increase after baseball because the workouts he does during the season will add volume to him.

“The plan for now is to kind of just lift weights in the morning so the afternoon is freed up for baseball practice and to have a social life,” Schuyler said. “But I’ll be switching to like 70% of my max for six reps. It’s nothing hard, but it isn’t easy. If I’m training for volume and endurance now, if I mess up a lift, I can always try again. Right now, I don’t have that because it’s not how I train.”

Following both the high school baseball season and travel ball season, Schuyler will get back to lifting heavy so he can be competition ready. His goal going forward is to lift in two competitions per year spread around the other sports he plays.

GIRLS: ELMORE COUNTY 61, HOLTVILLE 17

The Elmore County girls team wrapped up a perfect regular season in area play with the win. The Lady Panthers went 6-0 in area play and will host the area tournament.

On Monday night, the Lady Panthers used their defense to walk away with the decisive victory. Elmore County held Holtville to only one field goal in the first half and five total points as the Lady Panthers led, 30-5.

It didn’t get any closer as Elmore County pushed its lead out to 32 at the end of the third quarter and 41 by the final buzzer. Seanna O’Daniel scored 16 points to lead Elmore County.

“Coach Franklin has done a really good job with his girls, but we just pressured them,” Taylor said. “The other night we played at Holtville and we won, 50-30, but I was disappointed because we had 31 turnovers. Tonight, I thought we made the steals and we had just 15 turnovers. We made some shots and got some transition opportunities.”

The Tallassee Tribune

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 • Page B3

Tuesday, February 2, is Groundhog Day. This is a fun holiday, or observance, in America and Canada. Tradition states that if the groundhog sees his shadow when he emerges from his home and is scared back into his dwelling, Winter will last for six more weeks. If he is not scared by his shadow, Spring is set to come. This holiday’s origins go back as far as the Roman Empire and began in North America around 1886. Soldiers in the Roman Legion would make the same prediction with a similar animal, the hedgehog. If the hedgehog cast a shadow, what the Romans called “the second Winter” would start. The most famous of the weather-predicting groundhogs lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and goes by the name Punxsutawney Phil. His home, or burrow, in Pennsylvania is called Gobbler’s Knob. Phil was featured in the popular 1993 movie, Groundhog Day. There have been several other famous groundhogs that have “predicted” the weather over the years. Groundhogs do not actually predict the weather, but the day has become a fun way to shine light on learning more about the weather and a time for fun community events. What do you think he will predict this year? Will Spring come early, or will we have six more weeks of Winter?

Spring Sudoku

Using the symbols shown (lollipop, cupcake, cookie, and popsicle), complete the puzzle below. You are to have one of each symbol in each vertical and horizontal row, as well as only one of each symbol in each of the four bold box areas.

How Many Words Winter Word Find Can You Spell From The Word PUNXSUTAWNEY? ______________ ______________ ___ ____ ___ ____ Tallassee Tribune Kidz Page

Burrow, Community, February, Groundhog Day, Hedgehog, Meteorologist, Movie, Phil, Prediction, Punxsutawney, Romans, Shadow, Six Weeks, Spring, Tradtion, Weather, Winter

Color It!

Groundhog Day Predictions

Don’t leave this year’s predictions to the groundhogs!

Read the questions/statements below and decide what you think will happen this year. Then on Groundhog Day, with your class or family, write down what the groundhog in your area predicted. Then you can see who was correct--you or the groundhog.

Prediction Dots & Boxes Game Each person takes a turn to draw a line from one dot to another.

1. Do you predict that the groundhog will see When a player completes a box, such as the one below, they are alhis shadow or not? lowed another turn. Place your initial in each box that you complete.

2. If the Groundhog does see his shadow, will Person with the most boxes gets to predict what Phil says! there truly be six more weeks of Winter?

3. If he doesn’t see his shadow, do you predict that Spring will come?

4. Which of your friends or classmates do you predict will have the most accurate weather forecast for Groundhog Day?

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PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) This is a marvelous day to enjoy the company of others. However, you also will enjoy time alone to seek metaphysical and spiritual insights. Today you will lead with your heart rather than your mind. Trust your feelings. Tonight: Relax.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) This is a wonderful day to schmooze with others because you feel happy!

Good feelings and generosity to everyone will be the order of the day. Because you feel condent and optimistic, this is an excellent day to think about your long-term goals for the future. Bounce your ideas off someone.

Tonight: Be friendly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Today you make a fabulous impression on bosses, parents, teachers and the police. They see you as wise, affluent and successful. (Well, the appearance of success is almost as strong as success itself!) You can use this to promote your best interests. Tonight: We see you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Travel plans appeal to you today because you want to learn more and expand your experience of the world.

Group activities, especially activities that involve other cultures and different countries, will appeal to you. Expect positive news related to medicine and legal matters. Tonight: Learn; study.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) This is an excellent nancial day for you. Keep your pockets open, because gifts, goodies, rewards and favors from others will come your way. You can denitely benet from the wealth of others, including banks and lending institutions.

Tonight: Check your nances.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Relations with those who are closest to you are warm and friendly today. People feel mutually generous to each other. It’s important to know that today is the kind of day where you will get what you give, especially in terms of kindness, friendship and nurturing support. Tonight: Meet someone new.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Work-related travel is likely for many of you today. Nevertheless, whatever happens, this is a happy, feel-good day for you. You will enjoy schmoozing with co-workers and clients. Group meetings and conferences will be positive. You might see ways to boost your income!

Tonight: Plans change.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is a marvelous, happy day for you!

It’s the perfect day for a vacation. Take a long lunch or leave work early. You feel condent and comfortable dealing with others today, especially groups.

Enjoy fun activities with children, sports events and a romantic rendezvous.

Tonight: Protect your kids.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Invite the gang over for good food and drink, because this is a wonderful day to entertain at home. (Perhaps a meeting or congregation at home.) This get-together will be successful! Today people are generous, warm and, above all, not petty. Tonight: A sudden change at home.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Because you are in such a positive frame of mind today, your dealings with everyone will be upbeat and happy. You will be a role model for someone. They will admire your courageous optimism and friendly approach to others. It’s a good day to learn something new and enjoy the company of siblings. Tonight: Pay attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Business and commerce are favored today because people are optimistic and condent. You’re willing to take a chance and play a long shot because you sense this is a timely moment for nancial speculation. And it is! Look for ways to boost your earnings. Tonight: Guard your assets.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Today you feel everything is all right and you have nothing to fear. That’s because the Moon is in your sign lined up with lucky Jupiter, while it is also dancing with fair Venus. This is a winning day for you! You will get whatever you give.

Tonight: You’re restless.

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Public Notices Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2022-009 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN HAYNIE PETERS, DECEASED Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CAROLYN HAYNIE PETERS, deceased, having been granted to KIM LAFAYETTE PETERS, BYRON KEITH PETERS and BRADLEY KLAY PETERS on the 19 day of January 2022 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KIM LAFAYETTE PETERS, BYRON KEITH PETERS and BRADLEY KLAY PETERS CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN HAYNIE PETERS,

DECEASED Attorney of Record for such Co-Personal Representatives: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD PO BOX 780608 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855 Tallassee Tribune: Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and 9, 2022 EST/PETERS, C. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACK ROBERTSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-013 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of JACK ROBERTSON, deceased, having been granted to JACKIE LEE ROBERTSON on the 28th day of January, 2022 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JACKIE LEE ROBERTSON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JACK ROBERTSON, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE PO BOX 780397 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548 Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2022 EST/ROBERTSON, J. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF SAID COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA Tallapoosa COUNTY NO. 2021-0277 In the Matter of the Estate of Wanda Wardlow, Deceased.

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WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 2, 2022

TallasseeTribune.com

Vol. 31, No. 5

Cliff Williams / THE OBSERVER

On Monday, Judge Glen Goggans presides over the first appearance hearing of Jeffery Cofer, who is alleged to have shot an Elmore County deputy sheriff. Cofer is charged with attempted murder and two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.

‘He came out spraying bullets’ $1.1 million bond set for gunman in Claud standoff

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer A man who shot at Elmore County deputies Saturday faces one count of attempted murder and two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Jeffery Cofer, 59, of Claud went before Elmore County district court Judge Glen Goggans Monday afternoon where Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said the bullet that struck a deputy remains in the deputy’s shoulder.

“The sheriff testified the deputy still has the bullet lodged in his body as they COFER are trying to figure out how to remove it without causing further nerve damage,” chief assistant district attorney CJ Robinson said.. “This was not you look at the movies and I got a flesh wound. He was shot and was shot by this man.”

Robinson wanted a high bond because the violence involved “Our argument was clearly this was a violent offense — there was a gun used,” Robinson said. “It was discharged up to 20 times over the course of several hours. As the standoff ensued, he came out spraying bullets. In that process he is deliberately shoot-

ing at deputies.”

Robinson said the court can consider several things in setting a bond for pretrial release such as the nature of the offense, the violence used, was there a firearm and the likelihood of a conviction.

“This is not like we don’t know who did it,” Robinson said. “We didn’t have to search for two weeks. It’s him.”

Goggans set bond at $1 million for the attempted murder charge and $50,000 for each of the shooting into an occupied dwelling for a total of $1.1 million.

Robinson said if Cofer does not bond out Cofer can still seek mental health treatment, though for trial purposes, Cofer’s mental state doesn’t come into play for several months.

“Mental health will come into play at a certain time in the proceedings once it comes to circuit court,” Robinson said. “I did ask the court if there was any type of counseling or mental health intervention that if he can not make bond and needs to be transported to a facility for anytype of services, he needs to be transported back after those are completed.”

Attempted murder is a Class A felony and if convicted Cofer faces a prison sentence of 10 years to life in prison.

Shooting into an occupied dwelling is a Class B felony and if convicted Cofer faces a prison sentence of two to 20 years for each count.

Galentines coming to downtown Wetumpka

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer The ultimate girl’s day is coming Saturday.

Main Street Wetumpka is hosting Galentine’s on Main to support Breast and Body Health for cancer patients and their families and to support downtown businesses.

“The event was created by one of our volunteers to support small businesses during February,” Main Street Wetumpka director Haley Greene said. “February is one of the slowest months of the year for small businesses.”

Greene said the idea of Galentine’s on Main is simple.

“It’s pretty much a girls day in downtown,” Greene said. “It’s a full day of fun and shopping.”

Greene said the businesses downtown will be open and many offering discounts to those who purchased wristbands. As of Monday morning only five wristbands remained but Greene said there will still be fun for all.

“The wristbands get ladies discounts at many of the stores and events of the day,” Greene said.

“There is still plenty to do without the wristbands.”

Those who purchased wrist bands are supporting a good cause, as well as having fun out with friends.

“The proceeds benefit Breast and Body Health,” Greene said. “It will go to its non-profit arm to support breast cancer patients and their families.”

Some events are just for those with wristbands and some are open to anyone.

THE DAY’S AGENDA

According to the Main Street Wetumpka Facebook page, the day starts off at 10 a.m with the Galentine’s Card Crawl. The card can be picked up with the wristband outside the Tourist Trap.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. younger Galentine’s can decorate their Galentine’s Box at the Vault courtyard. It’s designed for young la-

dies ages five to 12.

For those a little more mature, mimosas will be served at brunch at the Yellow Daffodil Boutique.

You can even strike a pose at The Vault Variety Shop to document the event where Bama Bubbly has created a background just for Galentine’s on Main.

Sweet Cheeks & Treats is joining the party in Merchants Alley, with face painting and cotton candy.

Lady owned businesses will be set up in The Alley.

Music will start at 2 p.m. with David Jones at The Market Shoppes.

Provisions Cheese and Wine Shoppe has all-day showings of classic “chick-flicks” to go with wine and charcuterie boards.

Then Rachel Wilson and Lacy Lynn Music will close out the day from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

“We have live music in the Alleyway to close out our ultimate ladies’ day downtown,” Greene said.

FILE PHOTO